Control knob for multiturn rotary switch

ABSTRACT

A control knob for use with a multiturn rotary switch in which means are provided for moving an indicating member radially of the switch shaft to show switch positions over several turns of the shaft.

United States Patent J edynak et al.

CONTROL KNOB FOR MULTITURN ROTARY SWITCH Inventors: Leo Jedynak, Vladas Gusaras, both of Madison, Wis.

Assignee: Oak Electro/Netics C0rp., Crystal Lake, 111.

Filed: Nov. 5, 1971 Appl. N0.: 196,023

US. Cl. ..116/133, 74/826, 116/115, 200/1 200/167 Int. C1 ..G09f 9/00 Field of Search..1l6/ll5, 129, 124, 129 C, 133, 116/114; 74/479, 826, 553; 200/1, 56, 156, 1 5, 167,176

[451 March 6, 1973 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,450,919 4/1923 Harris ..116/129 C X 2,498,835 2/1950 Brotman ..74/479 2,668,200 2/1954 Glaze ..200/1 2,712,584 7/1955 Pantages ..116/133 UX Primary ExaminerLouis J. Capozi Att0rney-Howard T. Markey et a1.

A control knob for use with a multiturn rotary switch in which means are provided for moving an indicating member radially of the switch shaft to show switch positions over several turns of the shaft.

ABSTRACT 18 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures CONTROL KNOB FOR MULTITURN ROTARY SWITCH SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION switch shaft arranged for rotational and axial movement.

osition for p Another purpose is a control knob of the type described including a radially movable pointer attached to a manual control knob such that axial movement of the control knob is effective to cause radial movement of the pointer.

Another purpose is a control knob of the type described including a spring which connects a radially movable pointer to an axially and control knob.

Another purpose is a control knob for use with a pair of coaxial switch shafts which are fixed against move-v ment axially relative to each other.

Other purposes will appear in the following specification, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one form of control knob of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an axial section, on an enlarged scale, taken along plane 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the pointer used in the construction of FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a detail of the construction ofFIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial axial section of a modified form of control knob in one position of opera tion;

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view taken along line"66 of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a detail of construction of FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is an axial section view similar to FIG. Sshowing a different position of operation of "the control knob, and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along'line 9- 9 of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first form of the invention is shown in FIGS. l thru 4 of the drawings.

The front panel of an instrument orthe likeis indicated at 10 and may have an opening 12 mounting'a switch shaft 14. The shaft 14 may bepart of arotary switch 15 having a plurality of switch sectionsin which rotation of the shaft selects a position on a particular switch section and axial movement of the shaft selects a rotationally movable particular switch section. Thus the shaft 14 both reciprocates and rotates.

A fastening nut 16 conventionally attaches the switch to theinstrument panel 10.

A control knob is indicated generally at 18 and includes an outer knob portion 20, which may have con ventional gripping grooves 22 and an opening 24 in the front for the positioning of suitable indicia to indicate the function of the switch. The control knob may be attached to shaft 14 by means of a set screw or the like 25 positioned within a threaded hole 26.

A pointer or indicator member is indicated at 28 and is shown in detail in FIG. 3. The pointer includes an end portion or point 30 integral with a body portion 32 having an elongated slot 34. The slot 34 receives the nut 16 when the control knob is connected to the switch. Adjacent the body portion 32 and between the body portion and the end portion 30 is a projection 36 which is used to couple the pointer to the knob.

The knob 18 may have an inwardly directed flange 38 which is peripheral in extent and has an opening 40 of a size and shape to receive the projection 36 on the pointer. Thus the knob and the pointer are coupled together for simultaneous rotation. Note that the slot 40 has a length greater than that of the projection 36 so that the knob 18 may move in an axial direction relative to the pointer. g

A spring 42 has a generally flat end 44 positioned within a mating slot 46 in the indicator member. The opposite end 48 of the spring 42 is positioned within an axial slot 50 formed along a portion of the shaft 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the spring end 48 is round to match the shape of slot 50. The spring 42 is fixed in position within slot 50 by set screw 25. As shown, the spring 42 forms an angle of approximately 45 with the indicator member and with the shaft 50, although this is not essential.

In operation, rotation of the knob is effective to rotate the pointer and shaft to give an indication of switch position. After the shaft has been rotated through a given angle, for example a full turn or 360, to show switch position on a subsequent turn of the switch shaft, the knob 18 is moved inward in an axial direction. The knob can move inward approximately the distance between the control panel and the flange 38. As the knob is moved inwardly, the shaft will move inward to select a different rotor for subsequent switch operation. The end 48 of spring 42 will move inward .and thus spring end 44 will move radially outward.

Since the spring 42 is coupled with the pointer 28 by means of the groove 46, the pointer 28 will move radially outward so that itcan then be used in connection with a different'scale on the front of the instrument panel 10. Thus,.as the control knob moves axially, the pointer 28 moves radially. Subsequent rotation of the control knob in the same direction willagain move the pointer with the knob to show the position of the switch. The elongated slot 34 provides for movementof the pointer in a direction radially of the switch shaft 14.

When the knob is rotated in the opposite direction, the

sequence described above is reversed.

The spring '42 in its relationship with the pointer 28 and .thecontrol knob l8functions in much the same manner as a ladder which is resting against the side of a building. If -.you move the ladder along the ground,

toward the building, the end of the ladder against the building must move upwardly. Preferably the spring 42 will be approximately at a 45 angle with both the pointer and the control knob such that the amount of axial movement will approximate the amount of radial movement. Obviously this is not necessary and the degree of movement of the knob and the pointer may be controlled to the extent desired.

The invention should not be limited to an application in which the pointer only has two radial positions relative to the shaft. The knob may be arranged for multiple radial positions of the pointer as there may be a number of different axial positions of the knob and shaft. What is important is to provide a means for changing the radial position of the pointer whenever it is desired to axially move the shaft and knob to select a different switch section.

The invention should not be limited to the particular spring configuration forming the attachment or connection between the pointer and knob. What is important is to provide a means for moving the pointer radially in response to axial movement of the knob and shaft. V

A second form of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5 thru 9 ofthe drawings. As in the first form of the invention, the front panel of an instrument or the like is indicated at 10 and may have an opening .12 mounting inner and outer coaxial shafts 53 and 55. The shafts 53 and 55 may be part of rotary switch 57 having a plurality of switch selectors in which rotation of one shaft selects a position on a particular switch section and rotation of the other shaft selects a position on another switch section.

A fastening nut 59 conventionally attaches the switch to the instrument panel 10.

A control knob is generally indicated at 61 and includes an outer knob portion 63, which may have conventional gripping grooves 65 and an opening 67 in the front for the positioning of suitable indicia to indicate the function of the switch. The control knob may be attached to the shafts 53,55 by means of a set screw or the like 69 positioned within a threaded hole 71 and engaging a coupling 73 fitted over the shafts.

A pointer or indicator member 75 is shown in detail in FIG. 7. The pointer includes an end portion or point 77 integrally connected byan offset portion 79 to a base portion 81 which is integral with a body portion 83. The body portion 83 has an elongated slot 85 which receives the nut 59 when the control knob is connected to the switch. A detent 87 projects from the base portion 81 and includes a hook 89. The pointer 75 fits in a pointer positioning cup 91. The cup includes a base 93 having opening 95 therein to receive the shafts 53, 55 and an outer annular wall 97 having a flange 99 at one end thereof. A slot 101 is cut in the outer wall and flange.

The knob 61 may have an inwardly directed flange 111 which is peripheral in extent and has an opening 113 of a size and shape to receive the offset portion 79 of the pointer. Thus the knob and pointer are coupled together for simultaneous rotation.

Inner shaft 53 extends outwardly of outer shaft 55 and flats 121 are formed on the portion of the inner shaft located just outwardly of shaft 55. The flatted portion of the inner shaft is separated from the outer shaft by a split ring 123. A portion 125 of reduced diameter of the inner sh'aft extends outwardly beyond the flatted portion thereof. The outer shaft 55 has a portion 129 of reduced diameter next to a larger end portion 131 having flats 133.

The coupling 73 which fits into a socket 135 in the knob 61 is generally cylindrical in shape with a flatted portion 137 adjacent the set screw 69. A passage 139 extends thru the coupling and receives the coaxial shafts 53 and 55. The passage 139 includes four sections of different diameters 141, 143, 145 and 147 stepped from the largest 141 at one end to the smallest 147 at the opposite end. A longitudinal groove 149 is formed in the section 141. An insert sleeve 151 is positioned in the passage section 141 and has a longitudinal rib 153 which seats in the longitudinal groove 149. The insert sleeve 151 has an interior wall 153 with flat surfaces 155 which are complimentary to and engage the flats 133 on the enlarged end portion 131 of the outer shaft 55 as shown in FIG. 6.

Section 143 of the passage 139 of the coupling 73 is circular in cross-section, but is smaller in diameter than section 141 of the passage. Section 145 of the passage (FIG. 9) has flat surfaces 157 which are complimentary to the flats 121 of the inner shaft 53. Section 147 of the passage is circular and complimentary in diameter to the reduced end portion 125 of the inner shaft 53. A locking snap ring 161 fits over the end of the inner shaft A spring 165 has a flat end 167 positioned within a slot 169 formed by grooves 171 on a side of the indicator 75. The opposite end 173 of the spring is positioned within an axial slot 175 formed in the flat 137 of the coupling 73. The spring is fixed in position in the slot 175 of the set screw 69. As shown, the spring 165 forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the indicator member and with the shafts 53, 55 when the knob is in the position shown in FIG. 5.

In operation, rotation of the knob 61 is effective to rotate the pointer and a selected one of the shafts to give an indication of switch positions. After one of the shafts, for example the outer shaft 55, has been rotated thru a given angle, for example a full turn of 360, it is possible to select a different switch section by moving the knob 61 in an axial direction. The knob can move inwardly approximately'the distance between the control panel 10 and the flange 111.

FIG. 5 shows the knob 61, through means of the coupling 73 and the insert 151, engaging the enlarged end portion 131 of the outer shaft 55. Rotation of the knob will bring about rotation of the outer shaft. Engagement of the flange 1 l 1 of the knob with the indicator offset 79 will bring about rotation of the pointer 75. As the pointer rotates, the detent 87 on the pointer will engage the inside of the wall 97 of the pointer positioning cup 91. Also, the body portion 83 of the pointer will engage the wall 97 of the cup to stabilize the pointer 75 during rotation.

When the detent 87 of the pointer 75 is aligned with the slot 101 of the pointer positioning cup 91, the control knob 61 may be moved axially toward the housing 10 from the position of FIG. 5 to the position of FIG. 8. When the control knob 61 reaches the position shown in FIG. 8, the enlarged end portion 131 of the outer shaft 55 will be positioned in the circular section 143 of the passage 139 of the coupling 73. The coupling and the knob will be able to rotate without rotating the shaft 55. The flats 121 of the inner shaft 53 will be seated in the section 145 of the passage 139 in contact with the flats 157 formed therein. Therefore, rotation of the knob 61 will rotate the inner shaft 53 but not the outer shaft 55.

During axial movement of the knob 61 toward the control panel 10, the end 173 of the spring 165 is moved inwardly and the spring end 167 is moved radially outwardly. Since the spring 165 is coupled to the pointer 75 by means of the groove 169, the pointer 75 will move radially outwardly so that it can then be used in connection with a different scale on the front of the instrument panel 10. Thus, as the control knob moves axially, the pointer 75 moves radially. Subsequent rotation of the control knob will again move the pointer with the knob to show the position of the switch. When the pointer is in the radial position shown in FIG. 8, the detent 87 of the pointer and its hook 89 will ride on the outside of the positioning cup wall 97 and flange 99. The body portion 83 of the indicator will contact the fastening nut 59 to maintain stability of the pointer during rotation.

Whereas, several preferred forms of the invention have been shown and described it should be realized that there may be many modifications, substitutions and alterations thereto.

We claim:

1. A switch control knob for use with a rotary switch having rotatable shaft means including an indicator member mounted on said shaft means, means attached to said shaft means for use in rotating the same, said rotating means being axially movable, said indicator means being arranged relative to said rotating means for rotation therewith, and means for moving said indicator means radially of said shaft means in response to the axial movement of said rotating means.

2. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member radially of said shaft means includes a member connected to said indicator member and movable in response to axial movement of said rotating means.

3. The control knob of claim 2 further characterized in that the member connected to the indicator member is flexible.

4. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to the indicator member and movable by said rotating means.

5. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said indicator member is arranged to move generally the same distance radially of said shaft means as said rotating means moves axially.

6. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to said indicator member at one end and having the other end movable by said rotating means.

7. The control knob of claim 6 further characterized by and including a slot in the shaft means, the other end of said spring being positioned in the slot such that axial movement of said rotating means is effective to move the sqrlilng and indicator member.

8. e control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said rotating means and shaft means are axially movable.

9. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said rotating means includes a flange extending towards said indicator member, an opening in said flange, with a portion of said indicator member being positioned in said opening.

10. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said shaft means includes inner and outer coaxial shafts with said inner shaft extending axially outwardly of said outer shaft,

said rotating means being movable axially between first and second positions relative to said shaft means with said rotating means being in operative engagement with only said inner shaft in one of said positions and in operative engagement with only said outer shaft in the other of said positions.

11. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that means are provided to prevent radial movement of said indicator means except when said inner and outer shafts are in predetermined rotational positions relative to each other.

12. The control knob of claim 11 further characterized in that said means to prevent radial movement of said indicator means includes a cup like member mounted on said shaft means and having an outer wall spaced therefrom with an opening formed in one portion thereof,

said indicator means including a cup wall engaging member positioned in said cup and sized to pass through said opening.

13. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member radially of said shaft means includes a member connected to said indicator member and movable in response to axial movement of said rotating means.

14. The control knob of claim 13 further characterized in that the member connected to the indicator member is flexible.

15. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to the indicator member and movable by said rotating means.

16. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that said indicator member is arranged to move generally the same distance radially of said shaft means as said rotating means moves axially.

17. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to said indicator member at one end and having the other end movable by said rotating means.

18. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that said rotating means includes a flange extending towards said indicator member, an opening in said flange, with a portion of said indicator member being positioned in said opening. 

1. A switch control knob for use with a rotary switch having rotatable shaft means including an indicator member mounted on said shaft means, means attached to said shaft means for use in rotating the same, said rotating means being axially movable, said indicator means being arranged relative to said rotating means for rotation therewith, and means for moving said indicator means radially of said shaft means in response to the axial movement of said rotating means.
 1. A switch control knob for use with a rotary switch having rotatable shaft means including an indicator member mounted on said shaft means, means attached to said shaft means for use in rotating the same, said rotating means being axially movable, said indicator means being arranged relative to said rotating means for rotation therewith, and means for moving said indicator means radially of said shaft means in response to the axial movement of said rotating means.
 2. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member radially of said shaft means includes a member connected to said indicator member and movable in response to axial movement of said rotating means.
 3. The control knob of claim 2 further characterized in that the member connected to the indicator member is flexible.
 4. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to the indicator member and movable by said rotating means.
 5. The cOntrol knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said indicator member is arranged to move generally the same distance radially of said shaft means as said rotating means moves axially.
 6. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to said indicator member at one end and having the other end movable by said rotating means.
 7. The control knob of claim 6 further characterized by and including a slot in the shaft means, the other end of said spring being positioned in the slot such that axial movement of said rotating means is effective to move the spring and indicator member.
 8. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said rotating means and shaft means are axially movable.
 9. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said rotating means includes a flange extending towards said indicator member, an opening in said flange, with a portion of said indicator member being positioned in said opening.
 10. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that said shaft means includes inner and outer coaxial shafts with said inner shaft extending axially outwardly of said outer shaft, said rotating means being movable axially between first and second positions relative to said shaft means with said rotating means being in operative engagement with only said inner shaft in one of said positions and in operative engagement with only said outer shaft in the other of said positions.
 11. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that means are provided to prevent radial movement of said indicator means except when said inner and outer shafts are in predetermined rotational positions relative to each other.
 12. The control knob of claim 11 further characterized in that said means to prevent radial movement of said indicator means includes a cup like member mounted on said shaft means and having an outer wall spaced therefrom with an opening formed in one portion thereof, said indicator means including a cup wall engaging member positioned in said cup and sized to pass through said opening.
 13. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member radially of said shaft means includes a member connected to said indicator member and movable in response to axial movement of said rotating means.
 14. The control knob of claim 13 further characterized in that the member connected to the indicator member is flexible.
 15. The control knob of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to the indicator member and movable by said rotating means.
 16. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that said indicator member is arranged to move generally the same distance radially of said shaft means as said rotating means moves axially.
 17. The control knob of claim 10 further characterized in that the means for moving said indicator member includes a spring connected to said indicator member at one end and having the other end movable by said rotating means. 